The best weapons for Destiny 2 PvP

Dominating the competition in Bungie's FPS is no mean feat, so we've got a list of the best Destiny 2 PvP weapons to help you out

What are the best Destiny 2 PvP weapons? After some smart changes from the game’s Crucible team, PvP in Destiny 2 is in a better spot now. A more balanced weapon meta, nerfed abilities across the board, and subtle extensions to times-to-kill have helped turn Destiny 2 into a more robust experience for PC multiplayer shooter fans.

Recent changes also mean the Crucible feels more lethal, and the weapons are a crucial part of that. Despite the emphasis on balance, some guns still stand out from the pack. Here are the weapons you’ll want to track down to shine in Destiny 2’s Crucible, Iron Banner, and Competitive Playlist.

Our lineup of essential Crucible PvP weapons includes something for everyone, from precise exotics that will eliminate a Warlock mid-super at 500 yards, to SMGs that’ll melt anyone who gets close enough. Whether you prefer sniping, shotguns, or the humble hand cannon, here are the best Destiny 2 PvP weapons for you to seek out.

Destiny 2 best weapons

The Austringer

Weapon type: Hand cannonRarity: LegendarySource: The Menagerie

Hand cannons are in a pretty good spot in the meta right now, as they usually are, but to keep this brief we’ll only picking one. If you’re familiar with the Eyasluna from the first Destiny, then you’ll feel pretty at home with The Austringer. It’s snappy and feels accurate even at a distance. To that effect, if you’re looking for one of these, then seek out perks that boost your effective range like Rangefinder.

The Recluse

Weapon type: SMGRarity: LegendarySource: Complete the From the Mouths of Babes quest

Getting this SMG is a bit of a faff as it’s one of Destiny 2’s pinnacle weapons. You need to reach the Fabled rank, which is about 2100 points. If you win about 60% of your matches, though, you’ll get there. If you’re struggling, the Destiny 2 PC Looking for Group channel on Discord is always there to help out.

The reward, however, is well worth it as this is one of the best guns in Destiny 2. It slots into your secondary weapon holster so you can pair it with The Austringer. It’s most optimal when used up close and personal, and will melt on-rushing foes. So, if you’re looking to charge into enemies or defend yourself against aggressive pushes, this is a flexible option.

The Lord of Wolves

Weapon type: ShotgunRarity: ExoticSource: Engram

The Lord of Wolves is one of Destiny 2’s few hybrid weapons and acts as a shotgun meshed up with a pulse rifle. Yup. This Exotic has always been in a decent spot within the meta, but it’s currently been shot into the main picture thanks to a recent tweak that means you can trigger the Release the Wolves perk by holding down your reload button – before you needed to land a kill. This perk increases the amount of ammo you expend at the cost of more damage.

Beloved

Weapon type: SniperRarity: LegendarySource: The Menagerie

Sniper rifles in Destiny 2 have been making a steady comeback over the past year, and they’ve received another boost thanks to the Beloved. Essentially, the scope has a low zoom factor that makes it akin to a lot of snipers used in Destiny 2. Perks are to the user’s preference but can include additions to make the ADS much faster, or others that make flinch less severe.

Thunderlord

Weapon type: LMGRarity: ExoticSource: Engram

We’ve gone over a few primary and secondary options, but you may be on the lookout for something for your heavy slot. LMGs are in a great spot as heavy ammo in the Crucible is still pretty plentiful, meaning that you can rack up some kills.

And there you go, the best Destiny 2 PvP weapons to take into the Crucible. The meta is a fickle thing, and you never know when an update will shake everything up. Don’t worry though, as we’ll keep this guide up to date with all the comings and goings of the PvP Crucible meta.